intuitive gum bichromate

Instructor: Laurie Beck Peterson

Saturday, May 6th
10 am - 5 pm (30 minute lunch break)

Sunday, May 7th
10 am - 5 pm (30 minute lunch break)

This workshop, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners, will provide students the opportunity to print intuitively in the gum bichromate process.  They will be introduced to the history of the process, view notable examples, and learn through demonstration and the making of prints.  Participants will be using just one high-contrast negative, printing in successive layers of color and brushing away parts of each layer to reveal underlying colors.

Paper, chemistry, and watercolor pigments will be provided by The Halide Project.

• Please note that this workshop is open to those interested in working from digital negatives, however large format (4x5 or larger) B&W film negatives high in contrast will also work well.

• For those working from digital negatives, please bring your own, or you can provide two digital files in advance that will be made into negatives for class.  (You will be given the option to pay for the two negatives upon registration. The cost is $30 for both.) 

Masks optional.

Instructor bio: 

Laurie Beck Peterson (b. 1962) is a US based artist specializing in 19th century photographic processes. Her work exploring themes of impermanence and the growth and decay of the natural world. Her most recent work utilizes sustainable plant-based printing methods.

Currently, Laurie teaches her research specialty of the contemporary use of historical photo processes at Tyler School of Art + Architecture. Philadelphia, PA. Her work is exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in many private and public collections. Most recently she was chosen to exhibit at The Royal Photographic Society in Bristol, UK, as part of IPE 164, on view beginning in 2023. She is included in the 2021 selection of Rfotofolio photographers and two bodies of work were awarded at the 15th Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Awards on view in 2021 at FotoNostrum in Barcelona.

This workshop is generously sponsored by The Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation.